A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Clearwater vs. Raleigh for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Clearwater or Raleigh?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Clearwater and Raleigh. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Clearwater or Raleigh?

Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida's Tampa Bay area known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches. Its most famous beach (Clearwater Beach) is located on a barrier island with white sands and crystal waters - a perfect setting for activities such as fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin and sunset tours, parasailing, and more.

Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of about 450,000 and is home to many colleges and university including North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine's College, Meredith College and Peace University. The city has a wide range of museums, restaurants, theaters, and parks. There's also an extensive greenway system that is great for biking or running.

Which place is cheaper, Raleigh or Clearwater?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $309, while the average daily cost in Raleigh is $189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Clearwater and Raleigh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Raleigh $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Raleigh $208
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Raleigh

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Raleigh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Clearwater


Hotels in Raleigh


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Raleigh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Raleigh $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Clearwater

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Clearwater:

  • Clearwater Beach to St.Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE) -Departure Private Transfer: $102
  • Clearwater Beach to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • From Orlando: Clearwater Beach Day with Transfers and Lunch: $100
  • Pete–Clearwater Airport to Clearwater Beach Round-Trip Transfer: $144
  • Private Airport Transfer to St. Petersburg or Clearwater Beach : $104
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $398
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $517
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater Beach to Port Canaveral: $579
  • Private Transfer from Clearwater to Tampa Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Palm Harbor to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $398
  • Private Transfer from Palm Harbor to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $517
  • Private Transfer from Palm Harbor to Port Canaveral: $579

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Raleigh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Raleigh to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Durham to Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Raleigh - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) to Durham - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Raleigh?

Prices for flights to both Raleigh and Clearwater change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Clearwater $46
    Raleigh $57

Typical Food prices in Raleigh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Raleigh:


  • The Pit Authentic BBQ (for 3)
    $84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Raleigh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Raleigh.

  • Private Cooking Class in Durham with an Expert Home Cook: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Raleigh $37

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour: $14
  • The Coastal Sip 'n Roll: Jolley Trolley Beer Adventure: $25
  • Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Two-hour Clearwater Area Trolley Sightseeing Tour: $28
  • Shark Teeth and Shells, Dolphin and Shelling Tour Boat Clearwater Beach : $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • 1-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Cruise from Madeira Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Dolphin Exploration Tour: $29
  • Clearwater Sunset Celebration Cruise: $29
  • Tour with Dolphins and Sight Seeing: $29
  • Dolphin Quest - Sightseeing/Eco Cruise, John's Pass, Madeira Beach, FL : $29

Tours and Activities in Raleigh

Here are a few actual costs in Raleigh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure Self-Guided City Game: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Durham by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Crime Solving Detective Experience Chapel Hill: $15
  • Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Walking Tour: $26
  • Raleigh Ghosts and Ghouls Hauntings Tour: $30
  • Raleigh Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Trolley Pub Public Tour of Raleigh: $45
  • Carolina Hurricanes Ice Hockey Game Ticket at PNC Arena: $48
  • Private Pedicab Tour of Downtown Raleigh: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Raleigh $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Raleigh

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Raleigh:

  • Raleigh Bar Hunt: Rowdy Raleigh Bar Crawl: $12
  • ZincHouse Winery and Brewery Tour: $399

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Raleigh, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Raleigh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Raleigh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Raleigh and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater than you might in Raleigh.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Raleigh?

Raleigh is bigger, and its population is about 2.6 times larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the population of Clearwater vs. Raleigh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Raleigh?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Clearwater or Raleigh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Raleigh. Furthermore, many travelers come to Raleigh for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Clearwater is generally around the same temperature as Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 82°F (28°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Raleigh this time of the year. In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Raleigh during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Raleigh receives a lot of rain in the summer. Clearwater gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Clearwater 82°F (28°C) 
    Raleigh 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Raleigh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Raleigh. Additionally, many visitors come to Raleigh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Clearwater is a little warmer than Raleigh in the autumn. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Raleigh fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Raleigh. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 211 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Clearwater 75°F (24°C) 
    Raleigh 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Raleigh in the Winter?

Both Raleigh and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Raleigh for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Raleigh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Clearwater is much warmer than Raleigh. Typically, the winter temperatures in Clearwater in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Raleigh averages at about 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Raleigh during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Raleigh receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Clearwater 60°F (15°C) 
    Raleigh 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Clearwater or Raleigh in the Spring?

Both Raleigh and Clearwater during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Raleigh because of the activities around the city.

In April, Clearwater is generally a little warmer than Raleigh. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 71°F (22°C), and Raleigh fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In Raleigh, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Raleigh receives 251 hours of full sun.

Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Raleigh. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Raleigh receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Clearwater 71°F (22°C) 
    Raleigh 60°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Raleigh and Clearwater

Clearwater Raleigh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 40°F (5°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Feb 61°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 67°F (19°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.5 inches (165 mm) 76°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.4 inches (214 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 8 inches (203 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Oct 75°F (24°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 68°F (20°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 53°F (11°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Dec 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Clearwater vs. Raleigh Travel Comparison

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